The Black Hood is supposed to be dead. Shot, de-masked, autopsied, buried. So who’s running around town in a ratty black hood, declaring war on the underworld? The City of Philadelphia is electrified by the fleeting glimpses they see on social media — but both the cops and the drug gangs want him stopped at all costs. However, the new Black Hood may not have to be stopped. He’s coming unglued all on his own…

Per the events of the previous issue, Greg has been set-up by crooks and is arrested. He police union rep gets him released the same night, but he’s put on desk duty pending an investigation. But with his arrest all over the news the public now think of him as a corrupt cop. The only people who believe in him are his former partner Devon and his speech therapist Jessie, the latter of whom inspires him to snap out of his funk and try to find out who framed him and why. He manages to mostly cut back on the painkillers and starts working out to get back in shape. And then he puts the hood back on and hits the streets.

He starts off shaking down and beating up drug-dealers, taking advantage of the fact that as a vigilante he’s not bound by the rules of a policeman, trying to find out who “the Connection” is. Along the way he also happens to stop other crimes that he comes across, including a gay-bashing. As the weeks pass, news of The Black Hood’s activities spreads across the news and social media, and Greg starts feeling like a hero again. Meanwhile there’s also a hint of an attraction between him and Jessie. This issue ends with another cliffhanger, this one in a cemetery…

Another great, gritty, suspenseful issue, as only Duane Swierczynski can write, perfectly illustrated by the dark artwork of Michael Gaydos. Chacebook rating: 5 STARS

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